Please recommend a small concellable revolver...

I'm looking at the Taurus and the Charter Arms lines.
I want at least a 2 1/2 inch barrel in stainless steel.
Either .357 or the .44 special,it dosen't really matter.
The S&W line might be too expensive.
But Taurus's really can't be trusted for reliabilty and their service dept. should be exilled to a deserted island in the middle of nowhere.
Their model 605 looks good...but like a said,i'm hesitive to go with Taurus.
Any suggestions ?:)

Thanks for your input.:D

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qbpc

May 14, 2007, 07:35 PM

Ruger SP 101 is a well built little 357 it comes in 2 1/4" or 3"
Where I live they are between 350 to 400 dollars.

Sigdude

May 14, 2007, 07:48 PM

those small Rugers hurt my finger as the design of the trigger guard and the wieght of the pistol bite-down on my resting finger.I hate these guns for this reason....sorry....any othe recommendations?
I do prefer a 3 inch barrel though.:scrutiny:

mavracer

May 14, 2007, 07:49 PM

he 605,650,85 and 850 have the lowest return rates it seams taurus puts a premium on QC on these production lines.I have owned a 85 and currently own a 605 and 905 and they have been 100% both shoot POA and will stay in 4" bull at 15 yards if I do my part.I trust them completly

Nomad, 2nd

May 14, 2007, 07:49 PM

I had a Taurus .38 (I forget the model... the Hammerless one)

When I would put a couple cylinders through it at a rapid fire pace, and reloaded it with speed strips and continued firing, it would freeze up after 3-4 cylinders.

-It got too hot. when it cooled down it would function again.

I now carry a S&W.

ArchAngelCD

May 14, 2007, 09:29 PM

Since the new S&W revolvers are too high in cost why not look for a used S&W Model 60. It's Stainless Steel, it's a .357 Magnum and comes in 2.125", 3" and 5" models. I think it might be just what you are looking for...
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14755&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

jonnyc

May 14, 2007, 09:33 PM

You just might get a better response on the Revolver Forum.

MICHAEL T

May 14, 2007, 11:15 PM

From what I have seen S&W the best and price difference isn't all that much, The quality of a S&W over the other 2 way better

3rdpig

May 15, 2007, 02:23 AM

I like the S&W 638. Fully shrouded hammer for snagless draw or firing within a pocket, yet the ability to thumb cock for accurate single action fire.

glockman19

May 15, 2007, 02:26 AM

My choice would be a S&W 340, 640.

Ala Dan

May 15, 2007, 09:48 AM

Often times, one can find a good, used but not abused Smith & Wesson model
66 with a 2.5" barrel for between $275-300. This six-shot revolver would be
my first choice~! ;) :D

KD5NRH

May 15, 2007, 10:39 AM

I like my 605 so far. I wish it had single-action capability, but after cleaning it out better, (bought it used) the trigger is now smooth enough that I doubt it would make much difference at any range I would try with a 2" barrel.

ugaarguy

May 15, 2007, 12:17 PM

those small Rugers hurt my finger as the design of the trigger guard and the wieght of the pistol bite-down on my resting finger.I hate these guns for this reason....sorry....any othe recommendations?
I do prefer a 3 inch barrel though
If you're able give an SP-101 with Pachmayr Compac grips a try. The Compacs are a bit longer and fatter than the factory ruger grips, and they may very well solve your problem.

Taurus' small & medium frame snubby revolvers do seem to be the best built guns in their lineup. However, S&W offers a lifetime warranty to any owner, and a used S&W will be close to the price of a new Taurus. The S&Ws are a much higher quality piece. They may cost a bit more, but they, or a Ruger, offer a better value when build quality is factored in.

Vern Humphrey

May 15, 2007, 12:30 PM

Three fifty seven in a compact revolver is kind of like the Northwest Passage -- dreamed of for many years, eagerly sought by explorers, it really exists, but it ain't all that practical to use.:p

Most people who shoot snubbies shoot .38 Special after a little experience with .357 loads from these little guns. If you must have a snubby .357, I'd definitely recommend the SP 101 -- with aftermarket grips if the factory grips aren't adequate for your hand.

Jkwas

May 15, 2007, 02:09 PM

1. Lifetime Service Policy

We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun.

Taurus guarantees the gun no matter who owns it.

DAdams

May 16, 2007, 11:26 AM

Three fifty seven in a compact revolver is kind of like the Northwest Passage -- dreamed of for many years, eagerly sought by explorers, it really exists, but it ain't all that practical to use.

Vern I like that. Well put.

Having said that I just ordered:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/dadams111/163073_large-1.jpg

I have never been accused of being terribly practical. I like the appearance and I will try some .357 just to say I made the passage. :banghead: Then go back to the .38. It is a couple ounces lighter than the 642 and should be less maintenance with the stainless cylinder.

DawgFvr

May 16, 2007, 12:02 PM

See the S&W 642 thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=1691406&postcount=1

...and nope, the 642 is not "too expensive". As Goldilocks said, "It's just right." :p

bakert

May 16, 2007, 01:52 PM

I'm not much on .357s with less than a 4" barrel. Just my own opinion but I know some people that have trouble with full size .357s and the small ones put out one helluva muzzle blast and are hard to control. Regardless of what some may say, if a person can be happy with a .38, the little Taurus model 85 is not only affordable but a darn good little revolver.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f241/brumanj/Picture438.jpg

jfh

May 16, 2007, 02:26 PM

about a week ago--finally decided it was time to get squared away for a CCW again. For a number of reasons, I decided to go with a revolver this time. It seems that the older and wiser I get, I'm more inclined to just want a point and shoot for personal defense. I have numerous SAs, and I know the drills well, but I want less thinking time now.

So, after reading all I could from you active revolver geeks, I went out and picked up two J-frames: A 340 M&P 'Centennial' just like DAdams picture above, but without the CT, and a SS 640 with the longer grip. They'll go well with the Model 27 .357 that will become the bedside gun.

Courtesy of DAdams's comment in the 640 thread, I also got tipped off to the free range bags as well.

My rationale is that I want to practice with .357s in the 640, and carry .38+P in the 340. Or practice with both in both guns, or whatever--I know the Highway Patrolman well already.

FWIW, I will probably load up all three guns with two loads of .38 Magsafe for shots one and two, since I have nearby neighbors, then slide into .38+P Hydra Shoks, and finally .357 Hydrashoks, if the POA doesn't change much.

I bought the two at my 'old' gunstore--and at another one, I got to check out a 340 with the CT sight, as well as a Taurus or two. So, the other accessories--CT grip for the 340, Mika holsters, speed strips, loaders, are on their way--and I'm about to build up some dummy ammo for speedloader practice.

Thanks a lot, guys, for the good info I've found here.

Sigdude: Why don't you look for a S&W 640, used?--I think you'll end up with the best of both worlds (price and quality) if you shop carefully. Used 640s are around, and should be no worse than new Tauriis.

Jim H.

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